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New details released on quadruple murder in rural Linn County

A search warrant is bringing new details to light about a quadruple homicide in rural Linn County, KCRG reports. Luke Truesdell of Marion is accused of beating four people to death with a metal pipe in a detached garage on East Otter Road in northern Linn County in June. Police said they found three of the victims – Romondus Cooper, 44, of Cedar Rapids, Keonna Ryan, 26, of Cedar Rapids, and Amanda Parker, 33, of Vinton – already dead when they arrived. A fourth victim, identified as Brent Brown of Marion, was flown to the hospital, where he later died. Investigators said Truesdell was found sitting on the sidewalk in front of the home and was emotional as he admitted to hitting the four people. Police said he also told them where the pipe he used was. When they found it, police said there was blood, hair and other physical marks on it.The document states Truesdell told officers he did it due to drug use, previous trauma and thinking others had killed family members. He identified one of the victims, Romondus Cooper, as a person who gave him meth. He then said meth use contributed to his actions.Police were able to confirm Truesdell acted alone.The document also states Truesdell admitted Cooper gave him the pipe so he could help him work on a vehicle. At that moment, Truesdell said, he “freaked out,” the four people argued.Truesdell also said he pulled a knife from a sheath he was carrying so authorities wouldn't shoot him when they arrived at the property.Truesdell is charged with four counts of premeditated murder.In August, Truesdell was declared competent to stand trial. His trial is scheduled for April.» Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google PlayGet the latest headlines from KCCI

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) —

A search warrant reveals new details about a quadruple homicide in rural Linn County, KCRG reports.

Luke Truesdell of Marion is accused four people beaten to death with a metal pipe in a detached garage on East Otter Road in northern Linn County in June.

Police said they found three of the victims dead when they arrived: Romondus Cooper, 44, of Cedar Rapids, Keonna Ryan, 26, of Cedar Rapids and Amanda Parker, 33, of Vinton.

A fourth victim, identified as Brent Brown of Marion, was flown to the hospital where he later died.

Investigators said Truesdell was found sitting on the sidewalk in front of the home and emotionally admitted to hitting the four people. Police said he also told them where the pipe he used was located. When they found it, there appeared to be blood, hair and other physical evidence, police said.

The document states that Truesdell told officers he did it because of drug use, past trauma and the thought that others had killed family members. He identified one of the victims, Romondus Cooper, as a person who gave him meth. He then said meth use may have contributed to his actions.

Police were able to confirm that Truesdell acted alone.

The document also states that Truesdell admitted that Cooper gave him the pipe so he could help him work on a vehicle. At that point, Truesdell said, he “lost his temper” as the four people argued.

Truesdell also said he pulled a knife from a sheath he was carrying so authorities wouldn't shoot him when they arrived on the property.

Truesdell is charged with four counts of first-degree murder.

In AugustTruesdell was found competent to stand trial. His trial is scheduled for April.

» Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play

Get the latest headlines from KCCI

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